Dales patients warned about skin cancer

A hospital is warning Dales patients to take care of their skin in the sun.

Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is reminding people that skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK and more people are developing it.

Each year, more than 75,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with skin cancer and around 2,300 die from the condition.

Ultraviolet light (UVA and UVB) – which is in sunlight – is the main cause of most skin cancers. Sunburn and heavy tans are especially harmful to skin and significantly increase the risk of developing skin cancer. Sunburn has particularly strong links to melanoma, the most deadly type of skin cancer.

Derby Hospitals’ dermatology nurse, Melissa Fletcher, said: It’s important to protect your skin, even on cloudy days, as you can still burn. The heat or weather doesn’t always reflect how strong the UV level is. Use a factor 30+ sunscreen (SPF 30) and reapply frequently and never let your skin burn. Always try and avoid exposure to the sun during the hottest part of the day (11am-3pm) and cover up with a t-shirt or shirt, hat and sunglasses, and use sunscreen on exposed legs and feet. Take extra care with children’s skin and keep very young children out of the sun.

“It’s important to get to know your skin and look out for any changes. If you have any moles or patches of normal skin that change in size, shape or colour you should show them to your GP.”

The dermatology department, based at the London Road Community Hospital in Derby, provides a comprehensive service for the diagnosis and management of all diseases of the skin in both adults and children. There is a dedicated clinic for diagnosis of skin cancer, counselling and support for skin cancer patients and skin check clinics.